Switzerland Travel Guide

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

• Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
• Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
• Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
• Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
• Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
• Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
• Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

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